Alabama search continues for missing Carrollton man

(Hollis Crossroads, AL) — The Alabama Department of Homeland Security joined the search yesterday for a missing 79-year-old Carrollton man last seen in Hollis, AL on Saturday.

Police Capt. Shannon Cantrell of the Carrollton Police Department said the department is contributing to the search for Lamar Allen Putnam, as are state troopers, deputies and search-and-rescue volunteers from Cleburne, Chambers and Randolph counties in Alabama.

Lamar Allen Putnam

Putnam’s black 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer was found Saturday under the Tallapoosa River bridge on U.S. 431.

Law enforcement officials started a door-to-door search Tuesday, handing out fliers and seeking information about Putnam, Cantrell said.

As far as he knows, Putnam was last seen by stylists at Beauty Shop II on U.S. 431 in Hollis, Cantrell said.

Ginger Hollis, a stylist at the salon, said Putnam came in Saturday about 11:30 a.m. asking for directions to the Tallapoosa River. The river is about a mile from the shop.

He came in three times, Hollis said; the third time, the other stylist on duty that day went outside with him and showed him how to get to the river, she said.

“He was smiling,” Hollis said. “He didn’t seem confused.”

But when they found out a man had disappeared by the river, they knew it was him because the other stylist had seen his truck, Hollis said.

Cantrell said he’s also done more interviews with Putnam’s family to get a picture of his routine and what has been happening in his life the last few weeks. He said while the dementia Putnam has been diagnosed with is mild, it does seem to be progressing.

“He’s already had some past of getting lost,” Cantrell said, adding that Putnam’s never disappeared for days before.

Cleburne County Sheriff Dennis Green said the search now includes two state helicopters and water patrol.

Lamar Putnam was last seen wearing an orange-and-white shirt, khaki pants and a black hat, according to a flier released by the Carrollton Police Department. He has brown hair and is balding. Putnam stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 172 pounds.

Police are asking anyone who sees Putnam to call 911 or the local police department.

A post from the page late Tuesday night thanked everyone for the efforts to find Mr. Putnam.

“We pray to have some type of sign from Lamar tomorrow. It’s hard to describe the different “feeling stages” we are going through. I think the not knowing and just waiting is the HARDEST of all,” says the post.

“As we approach another day we still have faith Lamar will be found safe and warm. The weather has been very cold and we pray Lamar is seeking shelter in a warm barn or even someone’s home. I can’t say enough for the loving friends of The Putnam family. You have gone above and beyond anything we could have EVER asked for. We have had many friends and family who are consistently bringing in food, beverages, offering any support, and offering any help that is needed. You not only have helped being an ear to listen, but being a supporter to help keep our faith and hope. You will never know how much you mean to us.”